The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-06-18

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an exclamation of horror Reflected on
the Holland blind 1 distinctly saw the pro-
file of that lion-faced man. Miss Rossiter
looked at me in amazement; but | made
some hurried explanation about being over
come by sudden attack of giddiness, and
shortly after took my departure. What
did it all mean? There was a bare posi-
bility that his appearance was mere trick
of my imagination. | determined to in
vestigate the matter. Making wide de-
tour, | returned to Mrs. Rossiter's house,
entered the garden, and crept stealthily up
the path.
No! | had not been deceived There,
in the soft mold of the garden bed, were
two deep indentures, showing where he
had stood.
l walked slowly home. Was there any
possible connection between this man and
the inmates of that house? No, the idea
was absurd, and | dismissed it from my
mind. Other matters soon claimed my at
tention. The date of our marriage had
been fixed, and 1 was busy with the thou
sand and one details pertaining to that cere-
mony
We receive bat seant assistance from
i Mrs. Rossiter. In point Of fact, seldom
saw that extraordinary woman, and fort
night often elapsed without the interchange
of single word. was therefore some
what surprised when, one evening, she
stepped into the room where Ella and
were tete-a-tete, and said in low voice,
aMay | have a word with you?"
"Certainly," replied.
| She led me to chamber | had never
been inside before. A bare, carpetless
room, with only a solitary table and chair.
On bracket was small wooden crucifix,
and the walls were decorated with three or
four ancient pictures of the heads of saints.
Mrs. Rossiter motioned me to take the
chair, and when l protested said that she
preferred standing. Certainly in that at
titude she had the advantage of me, |
looked up with a feeling of awe at her
solemn, care-lined face.
''Sir," began this strange woman, ''when
you marry my daughter what do you intend
doing2"
"intend doing" | echoed, somewhat
surprised. "Why, most probably purchase
practice and settle down in London"
'"Would it not be advisable to go ahroad?"
she asked moro eagerly than the occasion
seemed to warrant. "To America, or
Australia. People say there are better
prospects for medical man out there than
in the old country"
"No," answered. Il think prefer re-
naming in London. Besides, there would
be considerable expense attached to going
abroad"
"Money need be no object" she hur-
riedly exclaimed, at the same time taking
from her pocket roll Of bank notes.
"They're all yours They're all yours !
Only take her away"
'I shall do nothing of the kind, Mrs.
Rossiter," | replied with some heat.
"When your daughter and are married
we shall most certainly remain in London" F"
"Then you will do SO at your peril, she
shrieked, in great excitement.
made no reply to this extraordinary
remark and turned to leave the room. As
1 did so she suddenly cried out;
"For G;;,3i'se .,ake do as | ask. You
don't K .a..S .. .ow l love him and what 1
would do ta regain his love, It's all given
to her To her, with that baby face,
And l, who have nursed him, fought for
him, sinned for him, set only slights and
blows Oh, God, it's too cruel Its too
rcruell T.
She fell on the floor in Mysteries. L
raised her, and in a short time she recov-
cred her usual composure. To my amaze-
ment she would not take the slightest no
tice of my presence, and to all my remarks
maintained dignifed silence. Finding at
length that could be of no further service,
l withdrew. My attention was next claim
ed by an extraordinary event that occurred
one evening. 1t was the hour Of my Gus
tomary evening visit to Mrs Roasiter's
house, aud as i approached the little gate
Ella emerged from the door and walked
slowly down the garden. Thinking to sur
prise her turned back and erept quietly
down little unfrequented feotpath, that
wound away along the margin of the pond,
and just underneath the hedge that bOrdered
Mrs. Rossiter's garden. | scrambled up
the bank, and was about to push my way
through the bushes, when saw something
that transfxed me to the spot. There
within yard of me, stood that terrible man
with his arms round Elias neck. He was
stroking and kissing her hair, tenderly
must admit, and at the same time utterlng
some inarticulate sounds.
For time l could do nothing, Words
failed me 1 could not even think II
Ella had shown any signs of fear or distress
should have rushed forward instantly to
defend her, but her manner showed nc
alarm whatever, She seemed to my as:
tonished eyes rather to be coaxing aud
soothing the creature.
Suddenly it flashed through my mind
that her manner might be merely an at
temptto humor the mailman. The thought
filed me with an agony Of apprehension
and | was Just about to rush forward when
change in their attitude arrested me.
The man suddenly ceased his caresses and
stood mosionless, listening, with head in
clined forward, in an attitude of rapt at
tention. Ella looked anxiously at him fol-
a minute, and then walked slowly away,
About dozen PAGES off she paused, hesl-
tated, and, to my amazement, returned to
him, threw her arms round his neck, kissed
him again and again, and then hurried in
doors. My proper course was to have
followed Ella for the purpose OF seeking ar
explanation. But l could not. The mar
filed me with such a strange fear ant
loathing that my only desire was to b.
away from him anywhere, so that was nc
longer in sight of those horrible features.
There he stood, apparently unconsciou.
of Elias departure. His face was buried
in his hands, and from my hiding place
could hear the great sobs that rose from
his breast. The situation became unbear
able, so l noiselessly made path for my
self through the bushes and hurriedly left
the spot
Rapidly I walked along, wherever my
steps should lead Anything rather than
solitude said to myself, so plunged into
the heart of London. Instinctively thread
ing my way through the masses of people